Ethiopian Adventist College Honors a Pillar of Oromo Resistance and Humanity: Father Beyene Badhasso

ADDIS ABABA — In a powerful act of historical reclamation, the Ethiopian Adventist College has officially recognized the legacy of Father Beyene Badhasso, celebrated as one of the Oromo people’s most courageous and transformative figures. The ceremony honored a man who, against immense odds, helped pry open the gates of history for future generations.

The tribute arrives as a poignant reminder of an era when Oromo identity was systematically suppressed—a time when their language was silenced, culture criminalized, and fundamental dignity denied. In this oppressive climate, Father Beyene Badhasso stood where few dared.

With a small band of brave comrades, he confronted the highest authorities of his day, including the Imperial throne itself, to demand a forbidden right: access to education for Oromo children. This defiant act was not without profound cost; Father Beyene paid a “golden price” for his courage, enduring persecution for his advocacy.

“His sacrifice was the seed,” noted one attendee at the recognition event. “The educated Oromo generation of today, our reclaimed language, culture, and standing in the world—these grew from the ground he helped break.”

Beyond his role as a fearless advocate, Father Beyene was revered as a man of deep and practical compassion. Operating a pharmacy, he became a beacon of hope in his community, providing medicine and treatment to hundreds based on need, not payment. In a landscape where poverty was compounded by injustice, he consistently chose mercy over profit, saving countless lives through quiet, unwavering charity.

The college’s decision to honor Father Beyene has resonated deeply within the Oromo community and among scholars of Ethiopian history. Dr. Abraham Dalu and the entire leadership of the Ethiopian Adventist College received heartfelt praise for their “honorable step” in bringing this giant of history into the light of formal academic recognition.

“Thank you for honoring a true giant of our history,” read a statement from community organizers. “Father Beyene didn’t just open a school; he opened the future. Today, we stand tall as Oromo and as Oromia because he stood firm.”

The recognition serves as both a memorial and a mirror, reflecting the enduring power of resilience, education, and humanitarian spirit in the ongoing story of the Oromo people.

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About Father Beyene Badhasso: A seminal Oromo intellectual and activist, Father Beyene is remembered for his pivotal role in the struggle for Oromo educational rights during the mid-20th century and for his lifelong dedication to community healthcare and charity.